OCT 30 — The event was called “Fashion and Sense” but behind this euphemism necessary in a “conservative” country like Malaysia was the national beauty pageant for Malaysia’s transgender community.
I didn’t know what to expect, but after it was all over, I would describe the event as professional, energetic, and awesome.
Such a function is especially needed in 21st century Malaysia. Recently in the media, the transgender community has been portrayed negatively and incorrectly.
On a TV3 talk show called “Wanita Hari Ini” aired on October 4, the transgender community was said to be a “threat to women’s livelihoods.” A couple of days later, Berita Harian published an unscientific article (“Salah makan punca pondan”) stating that “wrong food consumption [is] the cause of effeminate men” and that the transgender phenomenon is increasing rapidly in Malaysian society.
The mainstream media also had a field day when Aleesha (Mohd Ashraf Hafiz Abdul Aziz) wanted to change her name from a male to a female one.
After she was denied this human right, this Malaysian citizen went into depression and died of a heart attack.
To make it even worse, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, which is supposed to protect women, family and community (I hope!) — when questioned about what they do to help the transgender community — said they run programmes with the “intention of ‘correcting’ behaviour etc. in line with socially accepted norms.”
So, in conclusion, Malaysia has a lot of work to do regarding this issue.
For me, this pageant was a sign of progress as human rights by definition includes transgender rights. It is important that all peoples should be able to express themselves comfortably.
Article 19 from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.”
This event was organised by PT Foundation’s Transgender Programme and Mila Entertainment. From the excellent food, positive atmosphere, gorgeous dresses with traditional influences to the lights, dancing, and laughs, it was definitely very Malaysian.
These people, representing the 14 states of Malaysia, should make their respective states proud. They were intelligent, well-spoken, and much more deserving of such an award than many beauty queens I have seen on TV.
According to freelance designer Shika who attended the event, this was special because “it’s made for the community by the [transgender] community itself.”
Having it co-organised by PT Foundation was also excellent because half of the money raised went to the programmes they run. They have a strong focus on HIV/Aids Awareness and Sexuality Rights — both honourable pursuits that need more focus and financial attention in Malaysia.
This event wasn’t properly advertised though, likely because the organisers wanted to ruffle as few feathers as possible. Hopefully in the future this type of event can be seen and appreciated by many more.
In the end, Miss Kelantan was the winner. Everyone did a great job — an excellent event for all of humanity!
For more photographs, go to Colinizing Photography on Facebook.
* The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.
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